Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told NATO members that Ukraine needs at least seven air defense systems "Patriot" or other high-tech defense systems to counter Russian airstrikes, and called on them to increase their military aid to Kiev, Reuters reported, citing the US.
In an emotional speech as he joined the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting via video link, the Ukrainian leader described the current level of foreign aid as "very limited" and said Israel was not left to fend for itself during Saturday's massive Iranian airstrike.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin must be put on the ground, and our skies must be made safe again. And that depends entirely on your choice... the choice of whether we are really allies," Zelensky said in his speech.
In recent weeks, Russia has increased its bombing of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and cities, increasing pressure on Kiev as Moscow's outnumbered and better-equipped forces slowly advance on the battlefield in the east of the country, Reuters notes.
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